Clare Archaeological and Historical Society Launches Autumn/Winter Lecture Series

The Clare Archaeological and Historical Society’s Autumn/Winter Lecture Series 2008/2009 was launched today at Clare Museum.

According to John Rattigan, Clare Museum Curator, ‘The aim of the upcoming lecture series is to promote the study of matters of archaeological and historical interest. While there are only six specific issues being covered by the lectures, the Society hopes to show those in attendance that County Clare has a rich and varied history’.

The series of lectures commences at Clare Museum on 13 October when Graham Hull, Director of TVAS and Dr. Michelle Comber of NUI Galway will present a talk entitled "Ringfort Chronology and Gaelic Settlement". The theme of the lecture is based on the recent groundbreaking archaeological excavations at Caherconnell Cashel in North Clare

On 10 November, Terri Shoosmith explores how the 19th century ideal of women as the "Angel of the House" holds up when compared to reality using contemporary documents of the time from County Clare.

The final lecture of 2008 will be delivered on 8 December when Tom Moloney, M.Litt. in Archaeology, presents "Standing Stones Of Co. Clare" - a study of the Bronze Age monolith tradition and its landscape setting in Clare.

On 12 January 2009, Dr. Pat Nugent, Medieval Historian and Lecturer will discuss Ireland's best example of a traditional clan in a talk entitled "The O'Hehir Clan Of Uí Cormaic/Drumcliffe In The Sixteenth And Seventeenth Century".

On 9 February Michael Lynch, Field Monument Advisor, Clare County Council, presents "Excavations On Horse Island" in which he will take a look at the findings of this rescue archaeology operation in West Clare.

The final lecture in the current series takes place on 9 March and will feature a presentation by Fr. John Jones, P.P., St. Caimin’s, Mountshannon. "Stamp Collection As A Study Of History" will examine how stamp collecting can enhance anyone’s enjoyment of the study of history.

Meanwhile, the Clare Archaeological & Historical Society has announced that it is currently inviting members of the public to join the organisation.

The Clare Archaeological and Historical Society was founded during the 1960s. Lectures are held monthly from October-March and day trips to historical sites in Clare and beyond are conducted from April-September.

Commenting on the launch of a new membership drive, Edel Greene, Secretary of the Clare Archaeological & Historical Society, explained, ‘The drive is aimed not only at encouraging new members to join the Society, but also to encourage former members to rejoin us’.

‘The purpose of the society is to bring together in close association those persons who have a common interest in the history and heritage of County Clare. New and former members are encouraged to support our growing list of activities and events, including the current lecture series, meetings, discussions and visits to sites of historical importance. Membership forms are available from Clare Museum, Arthur's Row, Ennis, County Clare’, added Ms. Greene.

The Clare Archaeological and Historical Society’s Autumn/Winter Lecture Series 2008/2009 will take place in the Ennis-based Clare Museum at 8.30 p.m. Further information is available from 065-6823382, 087-9165916 or [email]egreene@clarecoco.ie[/email].

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- John Rattigan and/or Edel Greene are available for interview. To arrange please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or [email]media@dunphypr.com[/email]
- High-resolution images from today’s official launch of the Clare Archaeological and Historical Society’s Autumn/Winter Lecture Series 2007/2008 are available on request.

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
[url]www.dunphypr.com[/url]
[email]media@dunphypr.com[/email]
00353-868534900